Federal University Lokoja Visits CUSTECH to Strengthen Campus Security Collaboration

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening campus security and promoting institutional collaboration following a courtesy visit to the management of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara.

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye, was represented during the visit by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Jacqueline Badaki, who led the university's delegation.

According to the university, the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to engage relevant stakeholders on strategies for:

• Enhancing campus security
• Improving institutional management
• Fostering partnerships that support the growth and development of higher education

Speaking during the visit, Professor Badaki thanked the management of CUSTECH for receiving the delegation and emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing, particularly on issues affecting the safety and welfare of students, staff and university communities.

She noted that the rapid growth in student enrolment across Nigerian universities has created new administrative and security challenges that require innovative and proactive solutions.

Professor Badaki also highlighted the unique security concerns associated with the location of the Federal University Lokoja and stressed the need to learn from institutions that have developed effective campus security frameworks.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, commended the leadership of Federal University Lokoja for prioritising collaboration on issues of mutual interest.

Professor Salawu expressed his willingness to support initiatives that promote the safety and stability of university campuses and disclosed plans to visit the Federal University Lokoja to further strengthen the relationship between both institutions.

He emphasised the importance of developing strong internal security systems, noting that effective campus security begins within the institution.

"The first strategy is to profile your own security system. Most security challenges do not originate from outside without some level of internal involvement. Institutions must understand their environment and build strong internal structures," he said.

The CUSTECH Vice-Chancellor also stressed the need for universities to recognise and adequately support personnel responsible for campus security, describing them as critical to safeguarding lives and property.

He further highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and community participation, noting that students and staff are key stakeholders in the university's security architecture.

"Our students and staff are important stakeholders in the security architecture of the university. They provide information, identify concerns, and contribute to the safety of the institution," Professor Salawu stated.

He also urged university administrators to strengthen internal security structures and adopt proactive measures to ensure safer learning environments.

According to the university, the visit underscores Federal University Lokoja's commitment to building strategic partnerships that promote effective campus security and institutional development.